Karma in Gita and Buddhism: Buddhism adopts the karma principle but interprets it through a psychological and ethical lens.
Karma is seen as intentional action—mental, verbal, or physical—that leads to future results.
“It is volition, monks, that I call karma; for having willed, one acts by body, speech, and mind.”
— The Buddha (AN 6.63)
Read: Ego in Gita vs Psychology – Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
🔹 Key Concepts of Karma in Buddhism:
- Intention is central: Motivation matters more than the act itself
- No permanent self (Anatta): There is no fixed “soul” performing karma
- Karma shapes rebirth: One’s actions influence future births until enlightenment is attained
- Eightfold Path: Right Action, Right Speech, and Right Livelihood help purify karma
In Buddhism, karma is a moral force that operates through causality, not divine will.
⚖️ Comparison Table: Karma in Gita and Buddhism
| Concept | Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism) | Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of Karma | Action and its consequences | Intentional action (volition) |
| Role of Intention | Important, but secondary to duty | Central – intention defines karma |
| Agent of Karma | Eternal self (Atman) | No-self (Anatta) |
| Spiritual Goal | Moksha (liberation through duty & devotion) | Nirvana (freedom from desire and rebirth) |
| Path to Liberation | Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga | Eightfold Path, mindfulness, ethical living |
| Rebirth Explained Through | Accumulated karma over lifetimes | Continuity of consciousness influenced by karma |
| End of Karma | Liberation by surrender and knowledge | Nirvana ends karmic cycle |
🧩 Philosophical Differences: Karma in Gita and Buddhism
🔸 1. The Self (Atman vs Anatta)
- Gita: Belief in a permanent, unchanging self (Atman)
- Buddhism: Doctrine of non-self (Anatta); no eternal identity
This difference influences how karma is carried across lifetimes. In Gita, it’s the soul; in Buddhism, it’s mental continuity.
🔸 2. Divine Will vs Natural Law
- Gita: Karma works under divine order, guided by cosmic law and Krishna’s will
- Buddhism: Karma operates independently, like a natural moral law (not controlled by a god)
🔸 3. Freedom Through Action vs Insight
- Gita: Emphasizes selfless action and surrender to God
- Buddhism: Emphasizes meditation, ethical living, and understanding of impermanence
🌱 Practical Implications: Karma in Gita and Buddhism
For a Seeker of the Gita:
- Do your duty with devotion
- Offer results to the Divine
- Detach from personal gain
- Practice bhakti and karma yoga
For a Buddhist Practitioner:
- Cultivate wholesome intentions
- Be mindful of thoughts and speech
- Follow the Eightfold Path
- Seek insight into suffering and its end
📿 Karma as a Tool for Liberation
Though the views differ, both traditions treat karma as a means to spiritual freedom.
- Gita focuses on aligning action with divine will
- Buddhism focuses on intentional action to break the chain of craving
Both warn against craving, anger, and attachment, and both guide practitioners to become more conscious, ethical, and compassionate.
☸️ Karma as Intention in Buddhism
In contrast, Buddhism emphasizes intention (cetana) as the foundation of karma.
The Buddha stated, “It is volition that I call karma.”
Every intentional thought, word, or deed plants a karmic seed, shaping future experiences.
Unlike the Gita’s spiritualized karma tied to the soul and devotion, Buddhism views karma as a psychological and ethical process.
There is no permanent soul (anatman), and liberation (nirvana) comes by breaking the cycle of craving and aversion, not by fulfilling divine duty.
🔁 Liberation through Karma: Gita vs Buddhism
Both traditions see karma as key to liberation, but the path differs.
In the Gita, liberation comes through surrender, knowledge, and devotion, culminating in union with the Divine.
In Buddhism, liberation comes through ethical living, mindfulness, and insight into impermanence and non-self.
The Gita’s karma encourages action aligned with cosmic order, while Buddhism’s karma promotes inner awareness and ethical restraint.
Despite their different metaphysical views, both paths empower individuals to rise above suffering and live a purposeful life.
💬 Quotes to Reflect: Karma in Gita and Buddhism
From Gita:
“Perform your duty equipoised, abandoning all attachment to success or failure.” – 2.48
From the Dhammapada:
“Not by birth is one noble, but by conduct.” – Dhammapada 393
🧠 Conclusion: Unity in Diversity
Despite doctrinal differences, karma in Gita and Buddhism guides humanity toward liberation, peace, and wisdom.
Whether through devotion and duty or mindfulness and insight, both paths highlight the power of our choices and their ripple effects through time and consciousness.
Understanding these nuanced views helps spiritual seekers:
- Make conscious decisions
- Act ethically
- Accept outcomes with grace
- Move toward liberation—from within